OYO’s Policy Shift: Unmarried Couples Restricted from Booking Rooms in Partner Hotels

In a significant policy shift, OYO now restricts unmarried couples from booking rooms, with the rule initially implemented in Meerut. Partner hotels are required to verify couples’ relationship status. While this targets local sentiments

By Joseph Mathews Jan 5, 2025, 14:19 IST

OYO, the hospitality leading start-up, has announced that it would not permit unmarried couples to stay in its partner hotels, such checks for unmarried couples at check-in would be a new set of check-in rules, applicable from this year forward. Presently rolled out in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, the response would eventually be gauged in other cities as well. At check-in time, the relationship status of the couple should also be verified. "For online booking, too, valid proof would be necessary", according to this order.

Why the Change?

OYO said this decision was an after-effect of local appeals filed by Meerut residents who claimed that unmarried couples should not be allowed to stay in hotels. The company hopes to change the image of itself and attract more families, students, business travelers, and solitary tourists. This move is part of OYO's overall strategy for a safe, comfortable experience to promote long stays and repeat booking.

Possible Business Impact

According to a recent Travelpedia 2024 report, unmarried couples make up a considerable percentage of OYO's customer base, with Telangana leading the list of states where OYO services are used the most. The policy change does raise questions about its impact on the business of the company, especially in metropolitan cities where the trend of bookings by unmarried couples is higher.